Soccer has the same level as religion for Bolivians. So much so that it is not unusual for fans to get into some serious physical altercations over what happened in the match. Some will say that this is the definition of "for the love of the game" while say that it is plain crazy. Either way, there is no denying the fact that they are soccer fans.

Traditionally though, Bolivians like games that are more "rural" like trompo and palo ensebao which are usually played during their festivals.

But when it comes to soccer, things do get serious. They even have devised a version of soccer that can be played indoors. They call it "fútbol de salon" which is usually played on a basketball court with a smaller ball, smaller goals and with five or six people on each team.

"The passion for football in Bolivia reflects a deep cultural connection to sport that goes beyond mere competition. It's woven into the social fabric of the nation."
— Robert J. Wood, PhD in Exercise Physiology from the University of Western Australia and founder of Topend Sports

The Bolivian national soccer team has been representing the country in international competitions since 1926, but sadly has not advanced past the initial round of any World Cup. However, Bolivia has produced its fair share of athletes like Marco Antonio "El Diablo" Etcheverry and Erwin Sánchez, both of whom were trained in the Tachuichi Aguilera Soccer Academy, Bolivia's factory of outstanding soccer players.

Bolivia has sent athletes to the Olympic Games since 1936. They have an almost perfect attendance on all Summer Olympic Games since 1964 except for when they joined the 1980 boycott of the Moscow Olympic Games. The country is yet to win an Olympic medal, but their National sub-15 football team did win the gold in Singapore 2010 at the Youth Olympic Games.

Below are details of sports, sporting events and sports people related to Bolivia. Is there something missing? If you know of something that should be listed here, please let us know.

Olympic Participation

Bolivia has competed in the Olympics since 1936, with near-perfect attendance in Summer Games since 1964, though still seeking their first Olympic medal.

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Traditional Sports

Unique Bolivian sports include Cholita Wrestling, Tinku, Trompo, and Palo ensebao, preserving rich cultural traditions through athletic competition.

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Football Excellence

The Tachuichi Aguilera Soccer Academy has produced Bolivia's finest players, including legends Marco Etcheverry and Erwin Sánchez.

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Popular sports of Bolivia

Traditional or Regional Sports

  • Trompo
  • Palo ensebao
  • "Fútbol de salon", also known as "fulbito" is a type of soccer normally played in basketball courts fitted with small goals
  • Cholita Wrestling: This is a traditional Bolivian sport that involves two female wrestlers competing in a ring. These wrestlers wear the traditional Bolivian clothing and the matches are accompanied by traditional music.
  • Tinku: This is a traditional Bolivian sport which involves two opponents with sticks. The major goal of the sport is for an opponent to knock the other opponent off balance.
"Traditional sports like Cholita Wrestling and Tinku showcase how Bolivia has successfully preserved indigenous sporting culture while embracing modern athletic competition."
— According to sports science expert Robert Wood, who has analyzed sports performance data for over 25 years

Bolivia Sporting Success

  • Bolivia's national under-15 football team won gold at the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore 2010.
  • Bolivia won the South American Football Championship in 1963.
  • Bolivia won two gold medals at the 2023 Pan American Games

Great athletes from Bolivia

  • Marco Antonio Etcheverry (football)
  • Erwin Sánchez (football)
  • Maria Fernanda Álvarez (tennis)
  • Paulo Víctor Aguilera (BMX)
  • Katherine Moreno (swimming)

Bolivia Sports trivia

  • Bolivia takes part in the Bolivarian Games, a multi-sport competition involving athletes from Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela.

Bolivia at major events

"Bolivia's consistent participation in international sporting events demonstrates the nation's commitment to athletic development, despite the challenges of competing at the highest levels."
— Robert Wood, founder of Topend Sports

Past sporting events hosted in Bolivia

  • 1977 Bolivarian Games in La Paz
  • 1978 - The first official South American Games was held in La Paz, Bolivia
  • 1993 Bolivarian Games in Cochabamba
  • 2009 Bolivarian Games in Sucre
  • 2018 - the 11th edition of the South American Games were held in Cochabamba, Bolivia
  • 2020 - the first Youth Bolivarian Games, in Sucre, Bolivia.

Upcoming sporting events in Bolivia

  • Check back for updates on upcoming international sporting events in Bolivia

Annual sporting events held in Bolivia

  • The Bolivian National Football Championship
  • The Bolivian National Basketball Championship
  • The Bolivian National Athletics Championship
  • The Bolivian National Wrestling Championship

Sporting Facilities in Bolivia

  • Estadio Hernando Siles - sports stadium located in La Paz, Bolivia. It is the country's largest stadium, with a capacity of over 40,000.